Runs? We don’t need no stinkin’ runs! Roy Halladay, as he is wont to do, took matters into his own hands last night, gutting out seven strong innings and even doing his part to help the offense with a single and a run scored. That and successful Brad Lidge ninth-inning cameo, made for a pretty satisfying win. Now the Phillies have to try to win a game without the help of their ace.

One of the reasons for the Padres’ surprising strong start is effective pitching from a set of ordinarily mediocre pitchers. One of these is tonight’s starter, veteran righty Jon Garland. Garland has won double-digit games eight straight seasons going into this one, but he’s never been a big strikeout guy and has only once posted an ERA below 4.00. This year, he thinks he’s Kevin Brown, bringing a 2.15 ERA into the Bank this evening. Ironically enough, Garland is walking more batters and throwing fewer strikes than ever before, and he’s not getting any more swinging strikes. So for those of you hoping that the Phillies break out of their slump tonight, take heart. A righty who doesn’t strike anyone out, doesn’t throw hard, and has a proclivity to walk? Seems as good a pitcher to break out against as any.

So good. Smoother than a new pair of silk briefs, without the sour aftertaste common to many darker stouts and porters. This local-ish beer (from Lancaster, Pa.) is sweet with hints of milk and coffee. During the last city-paralyzing blizzard, I bought a six-pack and let myself get snowed in. I’ve spent worse Friday nights.– By Michael